Former Laker /*Rick Fox*/ has three NBA championships to his credit and now he hopes to bring that same winning spirit to the dance floor.
He'll be led by professional dancer Cheryl Burke, who has her own proven track record when it comes to training athletes.
She's been paired with football great /*Emmitt Smith*/, Olympic track star /*Maurice Greene*/, and last season football's /*Chad Ochocinco*/.
There is one big difference in dancing with Fox -- he's 15 inches taller than his dance partner.
To ease his concerns, Burke will rise to the challenge of dancing in 4-inch heels.
Fox says his early challenge has been stamina.
"I'd leave practice as a Laker and I would be exhausted. I leave practice with Cheryl and fall asleep at lights in my car," said the former NBA star. "My body's definitely been awakened in ways it hasn't been before."
The partners have thrown themselves into rehearsals and will count on the dedication they're both known for to help reach the mirror ball goal. But Burke thinks they might just have one secret weapon.
"The camera just needs to be right here (pointing to Fox's face), everything else will work itself out," said Burke.
The two will be performing the Viennese Waltz when they take the dance floor Monday.
The two-hour premiere kicks off at 8 p.m. on ABC7.
The new cast also includes Mike Sorrentino "The Situation," Audrina Patridge, Jennifer Grey, David Hasselhoff, Bristol Palin, Brandy, Florence Henderson, Margaret Cho, Kurt Warner, Michael Bolton and Kyle Massey.
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